Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I,Ref-Smithtown) today voted against legislation which would grant the privilege of driver’s licenses and driver’s permits to illegal immigrants.

“This legislation grants the privilege to apply for a New York driver’s license to those who entered the country illegally. By conveying another benefit to people here illegally, we’re encouraging more illegal immigration,” said Fitzpatrick. “Suffolk taxpayers cannot afford to keep paying for free early education, the tab for healthcare, and now the entitlement of free college tuition assistance for illegal immigrants. If you want to know why New Yorkers are leaving the state, this is among the many reasons.”

It was also raised in debate that voter fraud has already occurred where illegal immigrants had enrolled with the Board of Elections and then voted in elections. Allowing illegal immigrants to apply and obtain a driver’s license opens the door for more voter fraud in the state.